By Patti Pietschmann, Travel Diva

Hawaii is welcoming back Aloha Festivals-- its longest running cultural event, after a two-year hiatus.  The popular celebration kicks off  Sept. 10, 2022, with The Royal Court Investiture & Opening Ceremony  This is followed by Hawai‘i’s largest block party at the 68th Annual Waikīkī Ho‘olaule‘a on Saturday, Sept. 17. The grand finale takes place with the capstone 74^th Annual Floral Parade on Saturday, Sept. 24.

This year's  theme is “Aloha ‘Āina, Love of the Land.” The foundation of Aloha ʻĀina is a reverence for the ʻāina (land) as a venerated ancestor. Subsequently, Aloha Festivals recognizes the collective kuleana (responsibility) all have to care for the land from whom all receive nourishment. This message and goal will be interwoven throughout all Aloha Festivals events. 

At select events and online, attendees can purchase 2022 Aloha Festivals ribbons as well as apparel from a limited Aloha Festivals X Hawaii’s Finest collaboration. Updated Information about merchandise sales will be posted at www.AlohaFestivals.com/shop.

Schedule of events

The opening kicks off  with the Royal Court Investiture at Helumoa Gardens located at The Royal Hawaiian, A Luxury Collection Resort. The stately ceremony  pays homage to Hawaiʻi’s aliʻi (ruling chiefs).  During this year’s Aloha Festivals Royal Court will don regalia worn only by aliʻi of the highest rank. Rooted in  cherished Hawaii traditions, the  festival features hula and mele by Ka Lā ʻŌnohi Mai O Haʻehaʻe performances in the heart of Waikīkī.

68th Annual Waikīkī Ho‘olaule‘a
Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022 │ 6 – 9:30 p.m.
Kalākaua Avenue
This premier block party with the 68th Annual Waikīkī Ho‘olaule‘a, is not like any other event. It takes place at   Waikīkī’s beachfront Kalākaua Avenue--which is filled with booths highlighting Hawai‘i cuisine, crafts and culture. Attendees can taste the best of local flavors, peruse artisan-made crafts – and with five stages of incredible entertainment – the Waikīkī Ho‘olaule‘a will be an unforgettable experience. There will be performances by Kapena, Ho‘okena and other Hawai‘i artists.

Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022 │ 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
From Ala Moana Park through Kalākaua Avenue to Kapi‘olani Park
The 74th Annual Floral Parade presented by ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach will conclude the Aloha Festivals with a colorful procession of Hawaiian culture through Waikīkī.  The state's  largest parade is adorned with intricate floats that are decorated with a rainbow of fresh flowers followed by  men and women on horseback. It all showcases the traditional art of pāʻū riding with  participants from marching bands to civic leaders offering the unique aloha spirit that unites Hawai‘i’s community.

Aloha Festivals 2022 is generously supported by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, Office of Hawaiian Affairs, City & County of Honolulu, ‘Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach, Royal Hawaiian Center, Hawaiian Airlines, Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort, Hawaii’s Finest, Outrigger Hospitality Group, Waikiki Beachwalk, and Hawaii Children & Youth Day.

The mission of Aloha Festivals is to foster the aloha spirit through the perpetuation of the Hawaiian culture and the celebration of the diverse customs and traditions of Hawai‘i. For more information about Aloha Festivals, visit www.AlohaFestivals.com.

About Aloha Festivals

The first Aloha Festivals took place in 1946 as Aloha Week, and over the past seven decades evolved into a celebration of Hawaiian culture, integrating the traditions and cultures of the Islands through music, dance, cuisine and art. 

All festivities are coordinated by a volunteer board of directors. Aloha Festivals is funded by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority, corporate and private sponsorships, and sales of Aloha Festivals merchandise. Aloha Festivals is also supported by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, working to improve the lives of Native Hawaiians. 

More information about Aloha Festivals and its events can be found at www.AlohaFestivals.com, Facebook (facebook.com/AlohaFestivals), Twitter (@AlohaFstvls), Instagram (@alohafestivals) or by calling (808) 923-1094.